Is There A Non-Fixation Method For Cheekbone Reduction Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Can the plates and screws be removed in the future after cheek reduction surgery? Or, is there a way to do this without using plates/screws (For example – I saw a mention of a non-fixation method)

A:In answer to your questions:

1) The plates and screws can be removed after 6 months if the patient so desires.

2) The Quick Cheekbone reduction surgery does not need the plates and screws because it is done differently. Rather than an anterior cheek bone osteotomy, the cheek bone is merely shaved down. The posterior zygomatic arch osteotomy is angled and the bone is just pushed inward. While the Quick reduction method is faster and avoids plate and screw fixation it also produces less cheek width reduction.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana